Protective case



Oct-31, 1967 M. c. CHAPMAN ET AL 3,349,986

PROTECTIVE CASE Filed Feb. 28, 1966 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS 'M/(HAEL CLIFFORD CHAPMAN WILL/HM DAVIDSON WEATHERI/P [554/5 FkA/YK HUMPA/REY PROTECTIVE CASE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fi led Feb. 28, 1966 P NuY SHDAE e e n a Q Z I I W QfiF M tfil llbwlll MM J KM r T BY 7 WTTORNE Y5 Oct.3l, 1967 M. c. CHAPMAN E AL 3,349,986

PROTECTIVE CASE Filed Feb. 28, 1966 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VE N TOPS MIC/MEL Q/FFOAA CHAPMAN WILL 1AM DA v/wo/v -W4 THERUP LEZSL/E FRANK HUMPH/PEY flaw/WA TTOANE VS Oct. 31, 1967 M? c, CHAPMAN ET AL 3,349,986

PROTECTIVE CASE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 28, 19 6 INVENTOES NW APE M59 pm M m 5 CWJM 0 wwx Z /Vm QmF LM E M; MML

WW TTORNE v5 M. c. CHAPMAN ET AL 3,349,986

Oct. 31, 1967 PROTECTIVE CASE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 28, 1966 lllllll it J m 5 Y n u IN VE N TORS MICHAEL CL/FFo/w CHAPMAN WILL/4M Dav/050M WEflTf/EPUP LESLIE FRANK HUMP/{REY ATTORNEYS M. c. CHAPMAN T A Oct. 31, 1967 PROTECTIVE CASE 6- Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 28, 1966 N mmw m P E WZ M ECHM m WONMT, MQN/WMJ/WH M wM V AF ED 5 fl E UM /M J Mum "v W w v0 United States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A box of foldable cardboard or the like containing a collapsible bottle, flaps close the upper end of the box and a partition portion defines a surface below the top and with a hole through which a neck on the bottle ex tends in supported relation. The partition may be a portion of one of the flaps or may be a separate insert and is folded to define a stiffening rib or step extending thereacross, the ends of which engage in holes in opposite sides of the box.

This invention relates to packs, or outer protective cases for bottles and similar containers of flexible or semirigid material. Bottles made of a semi-rigid material, such at polythene, which are stiff enough to remain erect under their own weight but which are nevertheless flexible have been protected by inserting them in a pack with the neck of the bottle protruding through a hole in a flap at the top of the pack.

Such bottles or like containers are generally used for the bulk storage and conveyance of quantities of liquid from say 1 to gallons. It is clearly of importance that the bottles or containers shall be protected against damage when filled and that filling and pouring of the bottles or containers shall be as simple as possible. It is furthermore desirable that the packs or outer cases shall not only be able, securely, to support the weight of the filled bottle or container, but shall also be capable of being dispatched from a manufacturer to a user in a compact and fiat form ready for quick and simple erection prior to filling of the bottle or container.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved pack or protective case which complies with the above requirements.

According to the present invention there is provided a pack, or outer protective case, adapted to support and protect a collapsible bottle or like container consisting of a box formed of stiff foldable lightweight material having foldable flaps to close the upper end thereof, and having at the upper end thereof an apertured member which serves to receive the neck of .a bottle and a reinforcement extending across said apertured member and engaging the box so as to locate said apertured member positively at the top of the box against upward or downward movement so as to support the neck of a full bottle.

Thus a bottle which is unable to retain its own shape, one formed for instance from plastic tubing sealed at both ends and having a neck fitted with a screw cap can be supported and protected for transport or storage when filled with liquid.

The box preferably has a hand hole therein, the arrangement preferably being such that when a hand is inserted into the hand hole the reinforcement is directly supported by the hand so that the weight of the pack is transmitted via the reinforcement to the hand.

The pack is preferably rectangular or hexagonal in horizontal cross-section so that it can be stacked easily 7 with other similar packs. Preferably the box is formed of corrugated cardboard.

The reinforcement may be an independent member which extends across the top of the box and locates the apertured member but it is preferably formed on the apertured member itself. The apertured member may consist of a separate member which is not hinged directly onto the box or it may consist of one of the top flaps of the box. The reinforcement may be formed on the edge of such apertured flap at the end thereof remote from the edge which hinges on the box. The reinforcement is preferably located by means of projecting ends which engage in holes or slots in the sides of the box. Where the apertured member is a separate member additional reinforcements may extend parallel to the main reinforcement at opposite edges of the member. The reinforce ment member may be formed by parallel folds across the apertured member. Any additional reinforcements may consist of flaps, hingedly connected to the member, which can be turned upwardly through a right angle with respect to the surface of the member so that it is of tray like form.

One or more of the flaps which serve to close the upper end of the box may, when folded down, bear directly on the reinforcement. The main reinforcement may have a slot formed in one side thereof and slots may be formed in the top flaps of the box registering with the slot in the reinforcing member to form said hand hole.

The aperture in the apertured member which receives the neck of the bottle may be centrally placed near one edge of the apertured member for ease of pouring. Where the apertured member is a separate member the top flap of the box nearest the neck hole may be arranged to be withdrawable when the other top flaps are secured down so as to reveal the neck hole. Thus once the bottle has been connected to the tray and inserted in the pack all the flaps, except the withdrawal flap, may be permanently secured down for instance with adhesive tape.

The above mentioned top flap may be made withdrawable by providing an additional fold line in the side of the box parallel to and just below the normal fold line of the flap, and providing two cuts extending upwardly from the ends of this additional fold line so that when the flap is withdrawn the part of the side of the box above the additional fold line is folded out. This additional fold line may extend between the bottom of the slots which receive one of the additional reinforcing members. This additional fold line may be perforated, or weakened, so that the end flap can be readily detached if desired to make pouring easier. To make withdrawal easier the end flap may have yet another fold line extending across it.

The withdrawable end flap may be provided with a finger-hole by which it may be withdrawn to reveal the neck hole. This finger-hole may also serve as a thumbhole, which together with the hand hole forms a comfortable grip for carrying a full pack.

The bottle may be formed of a length of polythene lay-flat tubing sealed at both ends and incorporating a stiff, but resilient, neck portion sealed to one end of the bottle to permit access into the bottle. The neck portion of the bottle may have an externally projecting flange which can be deformed and forced through the neck hole in the apertured member so that the bottle will remain supported with the flange bearing on the upper surface of the member. Above the flange the neck may have a screw threaded portion to which a cap may be screwed.

In order that the invention may be well understood three embodiments will now be described by way of eX- ample only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment 0 of the invention, with the apertured member shown sepa rately,

FIG. 2 shows the blank for the box of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows the blank for the apertured member of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows the assembled pack of FIGS. 1 to 4 1n the pouring position,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 shows a blank for the box of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 8 shows a blank for the box of FIG. 7.

The first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 of a pack for supporting and protecting a collapsible bottle consists of a rectangular corrugated cardboard box 1 with four flaps 2 at one end and flaps 3, 4, 5, 6 at the other end for closing the box. The boxis formed from a single integral blank shown in FIG. 2 The bottom end is closed in the normal way, and the flaps 2 are kept closed with adhesive, tape or strapping.

At the upper end, the box 1 is adapted to receive a tray 7 which has an aperture 8 and thus forms said apertured member and serves to receive the neck 9 of a bottle. The tray 7 is formed from a rectangular blank of corrugated cardboard shown in FIG. 3. Across the center of the blank and parallel to one pair of opposite edges are four fold lines 10, 11. The outermost fold lines 10 are adapted to fold one way and the inner fold lines 11 are adapted to fold the opposite way, so that when folded an inverted U-shaped corrugation or rib 12 extends across the tray 7 and serves as a main reinforcement for the tray 7. The two edges of the tray 7 parallel to the main reinforcement 12 have narrow flaps 13, 14 hingedly connected thereto which flaps 13, 14 can be turned upwardly of the surface of the tray 7 to serve as additional reinforcing members.

Portions 15 of the other edges of the tray 7 between the reinforcing members 12, 13, 14 are turned upwardly so that the ends of the three reinforcing members 12, 13, 14 project beyond the edges of the tray 7.

At the upper end of the box suitable slots and holes are provided to receive the projections of the reinforcing members 12, 13, 14. In the middle of one pair of two opposite sides 16 of the box 1 triangular holes 17 are cut into which the main reinforcing member 12 fits. By pushing the ends of the tray 7 towards one another in a direction transverse to the main reinforcement 12 the main reinforcement 12 assumes a triangular shape in cross-section and can fit into the triangular holes 17. The upper edges of the triangular holes 17 lie on a line with the fold lines of one pair of opposite top flaps 4 and 6 of the box 1. The triangular holes 17 are cut out on two sides but not on their upper sides so that hinged triangular flaps 18 are formed. A vertical slot 19, 20 is formed at both ends of the sides of the box adjacent to the top flap fold lines to receive the additional reinforcing members 13, 14.

Centrally disposed on the tray 7 to one side of the main reinforcing member 12 there is said aperture 8 which receives the neck portion 9 of a collapsible bottle. The bottle is formed from a length of polythene tubing sealed at both ends and incorporating a stiff but resilient neck portion 9 sealed to one end of the bottle to permit access into the bottle. The neck portion 9 has a projecting flange which can be deformed and forced through the aperture 8 in the tray 7 and can remain supported with the flange bearing on the upper surface of the tray 7. Above the flange the neck 9 has a screw threaded portion to which a cap can be screwed.

After the bottle has been fitted to the tray 7 and the tray 7 has been fitted into the pack, the four top flaps 3, 4, 5, 6 can be closed inwardly, the flap 5 nearest the neck hole 8 and the opposite flap 3 are folded down first. These first pair of flaps 3, 5 are of such a length that they do not overlap, and the ends rest on the top of the main reinforcing member 12. The other two flaps 4, 6 are then folded down on top of the first two flaps 3, 5

and are secured together with adhesive tape. They also just touch but do not overlap.

A metal band 21 may be passed over the top of the box 1 along the length of the reinforcement 12 and the whole way round the box 1 to keep it securely closed. The weight of the pack that is transmitted to the band is thus transmitted to the reinforcement 12 when the pack is lifted. The band also passes over the two triangular fiaps 18 to hold them down.

Slots 22 are formed in the second pair of flaps 4, 6 and a slot 23 is formed in the flap 3. A slot 24 is also formed in the side of the main reinforcing member all of which slots 22, 23, 24 register with one another to form a hand hole by which the box 1 may be carried. The flap which overlies the neck hole is provided with a thumb-hole so that together with the hand hole a convenient grip is formed for carrying the pack.

The flap 5 which overlies the neck 9 of the bottle in the folded condition has the ordinary fold line 25 by which it is hinged to the side of the box but there is an additional fold line 26 in the side of the box parallel to, and just below, the ordinary flap fold line 25 which extends between the bottom of the slots 20. This additional fold line 26 is weakened by perforation so that the flap 5 can be torn off.

This last mentioned flap 5 also has yet another fold line 27 extending across it. By inserting a finger in a thumb-hole 28 in the flap 5 the flap 5 can be withdrawn to reveal the neck 9 of the bottle despite the fact that the other flaps 3, 4, 6 are securely held down. The two top flaps 4, 6 each have a corner cut away at 29 so as not to obstruct access to the neck 9 of the bottle. The withdrawable flap 5 can be torn off along the weakened fold line 26 to make pouring easier, or the flap 5 can be reinserted after use to cover the neck 9 of the bottle.

The additional reinforcing member 14 of the tray 7 has a small detachable portion 30 formed by weakened lines, so that it can be detached so as not to obstruct pouring. The portion 31 of the tray 7 which has the neck hole 8 therein can be pulled towards the side of the box and away from the main reinforcing member 12 so that the neck 9 can be brought nearer that side of the box to facilitate pouring as shown in FIG. 4. This movement is allowed for by one of the legs of the U shaped corrugation which forms the main reinforcing member 12 swinging outwardly.

The outermost flaps 2 on the bottom of the box have a cut out slot 32 which serves as a hand grip for supporting the bottom of the pack when pouring.

The second embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of a pack for supporting and protecting a collapsible bottle consists of a box 40 similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 except for the arrangement of the apertured member, the reinforcement and the flaps at the top of the box.

Flaps 41, 42, 43, 44 are hingedly connected to the top of all four sides of the box. The front flap 43 has an aperture 45 therein centrally disposed near the hinge line 46, which flap 43 forms said apertured member which serves to receive the neck 47 of a bottle. The flap 43 is provided with two fold lines 48, 49 parallel to the flap hinge line 46 WhlCh fold lines 48, 49 can be folded in opposite senses to form a reinforcement 50 for the flap 43 at the end thereof remote from the hinge line 46. The fold line 48 permlts folding upwardly through a right angle and the fold line 49 is foldable in the opposite sense through a right angle so that in effect a step is formed.

The side edges of the flap 43 have fold lines 51 parallel to the side edges extending from the hinge line 46 to the fold line 48 so that narrow flaps 52 can be folded upwardly with the result that the reinforcement 50 projects beyond the sides of the flap 43, while said narrow fiaps 52 fit within the sides at the top of the box 40.

A short downwardly extending slot 53 is formed on each side of the box 40 which receives the vertical part of the step shaped reinforcement 50. Horizontal slots 54 are formed in sides of the box 40 adjacent the hinge lines of the side top flaps 42, 44 which receive the horizontal part of the step shaped reinforcement 50 so that the reinforcement 50 and thus the apertured flap 43 is located against upward or downward movement.

The vertical part of the step shaped reinforcement 50 has two small cut out portions 55 so that as the reinforcement 50 is folded upwardly two projections 56 remain in the plane of the apertured flap 43 and extend underneath the reinforcement 50. These projections 56 serve to locate the back top flap 41 of the box 40, against downward movement. The back top flap 41 is provided at its very end with a narrow upturned flange 57 the end of which can bear against the underside of the horizontal part of the step shaped reinforcement 50 and the face of which bears against the vertical part of the step shaped reinforcement 50. The back flap 41 is thus located against upward and downward movement. The side'top flaps 42, 44, are in use folded down on top of the reinforcement 50' to hold it down and a metal band (not shown) is passed around the box as in the first embodiment.

A slot 58 is formed in the abutting edges of the two side top flaps 42, 44 as in the first embodiment which together form a hand hole which is so disposed that the fingers of a hand inserted into the hand hole will directly support the horizontal part of the reinforcement 50.

To facilitate insertion of the neck 47 of the bottle into the aperture 45, two slits 59 extend from the sides of the aperture 45 as far asthe fold line 49 between the vertical and horizontal part of the step shaped reinforcement 50. A tongue 60 can thus be folded out of the apertured flap 43 which permits the neck 47 of the bottle to be seated at the front edge of the aperture -45 without distorting the neck 47. This has advantages when the collapsible bottle is to be filled before being inserted into the box 40. After the neck 47 has been seated at the front edge of the aperture 45 the tongue 60 is replaced to complete the periphery of the aperture 45, and when the flaps 41, 42, 44 are folded down in position the tongue '60 is locked against movement away from the aperture 45 by the narrow upturned flange 57 of the back flap 41 so that the neck of the bottle is held firmly in position.

When the side top flaps 42, 44 have been folded down, they overlie the aperture 45. In order to permit pouring of liquid without folding up the side top flaps 42, 44, weakening lines 61 are provided in the side top flaps 42, 44 so that portions 62 just above the aperture can be removed. Once a bottle has been filled and inserted into the pack and the flaps have been folded down and sealed, liquid cannot be dispensed without removing the weakened portions 62 so that the pack is made proof against pilfering.

The third embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 consists of a box 70 formed from a single blank. Flaps 71, 72, 73, 74 are connected to the top of all four sides of the box 70. The front flap 73 has an aperture 75 therein serving to receive the neck 76 of a bottle. The aperture 75 is disposed on one side of the flap 73. A larger aperture 77 is centrally disposed in the flap 73 and communicates with the aperture 75 so that the neck of the bottle can be inserted into the aperture 77 and then moved sideways into the aperture 75. This enables the neck 76 to be inserted into the aperture 75 without distorting it. A flap 78 serves to close the aperture 77 after the neck 76 is in the aperture 75 and locks the neck 76 in position.

Two fold lines 79 and 80 extend across the flap 73 so that a portion 81 can be folded parallel to the greater part of the flap 73 with the free edge 82 being the part of the portion 81 nearest to the flap fold line 83. The portion 84 between the fold lines 79 and 80 has an extension 85 at each end which projects into slots 86 in the sides of the box 70. Slots 87, 88 in the sides of the box receive the very ends of the portion 81. The flap 73 is provided with narrow side flaps 89 which are turned upwardly and lie flat against the sides of the box.

The back top flap 71 has two fold lines 90 and 91 extending across it so that a portion 92 can be folded down parallel to the greater part of the flap 71. When assembling the box the front flap 73 is first folded down with the portion 81 folded parallel to the top of the box 70, the free edge 82 being nearest the front of the box. The flap 71 is then folded down with the portion 92 tucked under the portion 81. A hole 93 is formed in the portion 94 of the flap 71 between the fold lines 90 and 91 so that a hand grip is formed. The folded portions 81 and 84 of the flap 71 serve as a reinforcement of the flap 71.

The side top flaps 72 and 74 are folded on top of the flaps 71, and secured by a band (not shown) in the same manner as the embodiments of FIGURES 4 and 5. Hand holes 95 are formed in the flaps 72 and 74 so that when all the flaps are folded down the hand can be passed into the hand grip.

The flap 74 has a projection 96 which fits into the slot 88 when the flaps are folded down. For this reason the slot 88 is wider than the slot 87. I

The flaps 72 and 74 are provided with weakening lines 97, 98 so that portions 99 and 100 can be torn off to reveal the neck 76 of the bottle.

The bottom of the box 70 differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 in that the front and back bottom flaps 101, 102 are provided with dovetail projection 103 which engage in the dovetail recesses 104 of the opposite flap. The flap 102 has two finger holes 105 which help in tipping the box 70 for pouring.

There have thus been provided three packs for supporting and protecting a collapsible bottle. The box, apertured member and bottle may be stored flat before being assembled for use. Once assembled for use with the bottle inside the pack, the top flaps can be sealed down but liquid can nonetheless be dispensed from the bottle without undoing the flaps.

We claim:

1. A protective case supporting therein a collapsible bottle having a pouring neck at its upper end; said case comprising a box formed of stiff foldable lightweight material and having foldable flaps for closing at least the upper end thereof; one of said flaps having an aperture therethrough with said neck extending through said aperture and being supported by said one flap; said one flap having a stiffening reinforcement means extending thereacross; holes in the sides of said box, the ends of said reinforcement means engaging in said holes, thus holding said reinforcement against upward and downward movement in said box.

2. A case as defined in claim 1 wherein said box is provided with a hand hole adjacent said reinforcement means whereby said case may be carried by engaging and supporting said reinforcement means through said hand hole.

3. A case as defined in claim 2 wherein at least another of said foldable flaps bears directly on the top of said reinforcement means.

4. A case as defined in claim 1 wherein said reinforcement means comprises a portion of said one flap folded to impart vertical stiffness thereto.

5. A case as defined in claim 4 wherein one edge of said one flap is foldably connected to said box, said reinforcement means being formed on said one flap along the edge thereof opposite said one edge.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,054,549 9/ 1962 Humphrey 229-14 3,123,254 3/1964 Rabby et al. 229-14 3,160,326 12/1964 Sturdevant et al. 222-183 3,240,417 3/1966 Andreini 229-14 DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Primary Examiner. 

1. A PROTECTIVE CASE SUPPORTING THEREIN A COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE HAVING A POURING NECK AT ITS UPPER END; SAID CASE COMPRISING A BOX FORMED A STIFF FOLDABLE LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIAL AND HAVING FOLDABLE FLAPS FOR CLOSING AT LEAST THE UPPER END THEREOF; ONE OF SAID FLAPS HAVING AN APERTURE THERETHROUGH WITH SAID NECK EXTENDING THROUGH SAID APERTURE AND BEING SUPPORTED BY SAID ONE FLAP; SAID ONE FLAP HAVING A STIFFENING REINFORCEMENT MEANS EXTENDING THEREACROSS; HOLES IN THE SIDES OF SAID BOX, THE ENDS OF SAID REINFORCEMENT MEANS ENGAGING IN SAID HOLES, THUS HOLDING SAID REINFORCEMENT AGAINST UPWARD AND DOWNWARD MOVEMENT IN SAID BOX. 